Protect Yourself & Your Family

BEFORE THE STORM

Monitor your local news and NOAA Weather Radio, or visit the National Weather Service’s Website for the latest weather information. Battery powered weather radios are available at most stores that sell electronic equipment.

Move to higher ground, or higher levels in your home or business if possible. Flash floods can sweep over an area without warning, and you may only have minutes to get to safety.

Listen for distant thunder because water from faraway storms may be headed your way. Be aware that flash flooding can occur up to 12 hours after heavy rains.

Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to a safe area away from the high winds or flooding. Keep your vehicle fueled and have an updated local map in your car.

Bring pets inside

Store extra drinking water. Fill up clean plastic bottles with clean water if you live in a flood-prone area.

Move your valuables and furniture to higher floors of your home.

Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and debris.

Check your family emergency kit to be sure it is stocked with essential supplies to last a minimum of three days. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, weather radio, water, canned food and manual can opener, first aid supplies and medications. Make an emergency kit with supplies for your pet, as well.

Review your family emergency and communications plan. Decide on a meeting place away from home where you and your family will gather if you need to leave your home and family members become separated.

DURING THE STORM

Keep your battery-operated radio tuned to a local station, and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground before access is cut off by floodwater.

Never walk or swim through swiftly moving water. Avoid already-flooded areas. Floodwaters that are above your knees are dangerous. Turn around and go back to higher ground.

Never try to cross standing or moving water in a vehicle. Water that is two feet deep can carry away most cars, including SUVs. If you find floodwaters on the road, turn around and find an alternate route.

Abandon your vehicle immediately if it becomes surrounded with water or the engine stalls. Seek higher ground immediately.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Water - TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN (learn more here)